Police are asking for the public’s help to apprehend a hit-and-run driver who they say struck and injured a bicyclist in Simi Valley earlier this month. According to a KTLA news report, Simi Valley police have released video footage of the incident where the vehicle can be seen striking the bicyclist and then leaving the scene of the accident. The collision occurred the afternoon of Feb.7 at the intersection of Madera Road and Easy Street.
The video shows the involved car speed through the intersection as other vehicles came to a stop of the red light on southbound Easy Street, which is when the bicyclist had started crossing Madera Road. The car is seen hitting the cyclist and then continuing on its way without stopping. The bicyclist sustained injuries, but is expected to survive. Police say the suspect vehicle is a blue, 2013-2015 model Dodge Dart, which may have collision damage on its passenger side. Anyone with information is asked to contact Simi Valley police investigators at 805-583-6180.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured bicyclist. We are relieved to note that his injuries were not life threatening. We wish him the very best for a quick and full recovery.
The Impact of Hit-and-Run Crashes
The Greater Los Angeles area is so notorious for hit-and-run crashes that it has earned the dubious distinction of being known as the “hit and run capital” of the nation. The region’s car culture and the fact that many hit-and-run cases remain unsolved tend to result in such a trend. Legislators have tried to deter this horrific and illegal practice of leaving the scene of an accident by increasing penalties for hit-and-run offenses.
It is often the victims who suffer the serious consequences of a hit-and-run crash. An injured victim is already facing the physical trauma of having been injured. He or she is also looking at unforeseen medical expenses and the added burden of lost wages. If he or she has suffered permanent injuries, returning to work may be doubtful. On top of that, victims and their families suffer emotionally especially if the hit-and-run driver has not been identified or brought to justice.
Justice for Victims
If you have been injured in a hit-and-run crash, it would be in your best interest to contact an experienced Los Angeles car accident lawyer who has successfully handled these types of cases. A knowledgeable attorney will also be able to advise victims regarding how their own auto insurance policy might be able to compensate them for their losses, especially when the hit-and-run driver has not been identified or when that driver doesn’t have auto insurance or sufficient coverage.
Source: https://ktla.com/2019/02/27/simi-valley-hit-and-run-crash-that-injured-bicyclist-caught-on-video/